If you’re feeling frustrated because of sexual problems, we can help.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) means that a man can’t get and hold an erection during sex. If it happens just sometimes – less than one in five times-- this is normal and usually doesn’t require treatment. Think of it as just an “off day.”
If it’s an ongoing problem, you want to talk it over with your urologist at John Muir Health. There may be an underlying physical problem that needs to be treated before you can get your sexual function back to where you want it to be.
ED can happen at any age, but is more likely to occur in older men. According to the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, severe ED increases from 5 percent in men 40 years of age to 15 percent in men 70 years and older.
There is usually a physical problem behind erectile dysfunction. That why it’s important to talk it over with your doctor.
ED is not a natural part of aging. In most cases, it is caused by a physical problem, which can include:
ED can also be caused by lifestyle choices that put your health at risk, such as drinking too much alcohol, use of narcotics, and smoking – or by behavioral conditions like anxiety and stress.
Sometimes medications can cause ED, but this not common. If you are taking a new medication and begin having erection problems, talk to your doctor; your medication or the dose you take may need to be changed.
Making some lifestyle changes on your own can help you get erectile dysfunction under control.
Your doctor can diagnose what is causing your erectile dysfunction by getting a history of your health and doing a physical exam. Because there can be many different causes, additional tests might be recommended, such as a blood profile, urine tests, or a cardiovascular evaluation.
Your treatment plan might be as simple as making some lifestyle changes, like avoiding alcohol. Or medication might be the right remedy for you. In many cases, there is an underlying physical problem causing the condition – such as a clogged blood vessel that keeps your penis from getting the blood it needs for erection.
Whatever the cause, erectile dysfunction is a very personal condition. At John Muir Health, your treatment plan will be as individual as you are.
For many men we treat at John Muir Health, medication alone can be effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
Penis implants: This surgery is done on an outpatient basis with a recovery time of one to two weeks. Penis implants come in two forms:
It helps to have a urologist from John Muir Health who knows your health history and can help you get the treatment that’s right for you more quickly.
For more information about our urology services, please call (925) 937-7740.